Sunglasses are a stylish and practical accessory that’s essential for many outdoor activities. After all, they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and improve your vision in bright sunlight. That is, at least, until they inevitably slide off your nose.
If your sunglasses keep sliding down your nose, try adjusting the nose pads by gently bending them with your fingers. In some cases, you might have to replace the nose pads or tighten certain screws. You can also use rubber grips or a strap to help keep your sunglasses in place.
With a few potential culprits behind sunglasses that tend to slip off, you may need some help troubleshooting and finding a solution. Let’s take a closer look at the problem and how you can resolve it.
How Do You Fix Sunglasses That Slide Down Your Nose?
Sunglasses are a great accessory for any sunny day, but they can quickly become a burden if they keep sliding down your nose.
Not only is it uncomfortable to have sunglasses constantly slipping, but it can also be dangerous in certain situations, such as when you’re driving or engaging in any other activity that requires your full attention.
Luckily, there are several ways to fix sunglasses that continuously slide down your nose.
Adjust the Nose Pads
The first step to take is to adjust the nose pads on your sunglasses. Many sunglasses come with adjustable nose pads, which can be moved closer or farther apart to fit the width of your nose.
If your sunglasses are slipping down, try adjusting the nose pads by gently bending them with your fingers.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force, as this could damage the sunglasses.
Sometimes, your nose pads are slipping because of the oils on your face and are just in need of a quick cleaning.
Replace the Nose Pads
If adjusting the nose pads won’t do the trick, you may need to replace your sunglasses’ nose pads. Proceed as follows:
1. Identify the Type of Nose Pad
The first step in replacing your sunglass nose pads is to identify the type of nose pad that your sunglasses have.
Most nose pads are made of silicone or rubber, and they come in different shapes and sizes. Some nose pads are attached directly to the frame, while others are held in place by screws.
2. Purchase Replacement Nose Pads
Once you’ve identified the type of nose pad you need, you can purchase replacement nose pads online or at your local eyewear store.
Make sure to choose nose pads that are the correct size and shape for your sunglasses, and check to see if any tools or screws are required for installation. A good eyeglass repair kit — like this one (on Amazon) — will certainly come in handy when it comes to sunglasses adjustments and repairs.
3. Remove the Old Nose Pads
To remove the old nose pads, use a small screwdriver to loosen any screws holding them in place. If your sunglasses don’t have screws, you may be able to pull the nose pads off the frame gently.
Be careful not to damage the frame or the nose pads during this process.
4. Install the New Nose Pads
Once the old nose pads are removed, you can install the new nose pads. If your sunglasses have screws, attach the new nose pads with the screws provided.
If your sunglasses don’t have screws, you can use a small amount of adhesive to attach the new nose pads to the frame. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
After installing the new nose pads, you may need to adjust them to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Use your fingers to bend the nose pads to the desired position gently.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the nose pads or the frame.
Tighten the Screws
If your sunglasses have screws, they may have become loose over time, causing the frames to shift and the sunglasses to slide down repeatedly.
Use a small screwdriver to tighten any loose screws on the frames, but be sure not to over-tighten them, as this can strip the screw holes and worsen the problem.
Replacing the Screws
If you realize that your sunglasses are missing screws or that the screws were stripped, it’s essential to replace them with the right ones. Here are some steps that can help you find the appropriate replacement screws for your sunglasses:
Identify the Type of Screw
Most sunglasses have small, precision screws made of metal, available in different sizes and shapes.
To identify the screw type, search online for your sunglasses’ brand name or model number.
Consult the Manufacturer
If your sunglasses are under warranty or come from a name brand, contacting the manufacturer for assistance can be useful.
The manufacturer can provide information about the required screw type and may offer to send you replacement screws or direct you to a retailer that stocks them.
Visit an Eyewear Store
Eyewear stores often stock replacement parts for sunglasses, including screws. Visiting an eyewear store can help identify the correct size and shape of the screw needed, and you can typically purchase the necessary parts immediately.
Consider a Repair Kit
A kit containing a range of screws and other small parts for sunglasses can be beneficial if multiple screws need replacement on different pairs of sunglasses. The Paxcoo Eyeglass Repair Kit (on Amazon), for example, comes with a wide range of screws suitable for sunglasses.
Apply Rubber Grips
Applying rubber grips (on Amazon) to the earpieces is an effective solution to prevent sunglasses from sliding down your nose.
These grips add a layer of friction to the back of your ears, keeping the sunglasses securely in place. You can purchase rubber grips online or at your local eyewear store.
Try a Strap or Retainer
To keep sunglasses in place, choosing the appropriate strap or retainer that’s durable, comfortable, and compatible with the sunglasses is essential. We recommend this easy-to-use strap (on Amazon).
These straps are typically available in neoprene, silicone, or nylon cords. Here’s how to use them:
- To attach the strap or retainer, slide each loop over the ends of the sunglass’s arms until they reach the hinge area.
- After attaching the strap or retainer, it’s crucial to adjust the fit to ensure that the sunglasses remain secure while you’re wearing them. This can be done by tightening or loosening the strap or retainer according to your preference.
- After adjusting the strap or retainer, you can wear the sunglasses as usual. The strap should sit comfortably behind the head, providing an added layer of security, especially during physical activities.
- Finally, when it’s time to remove the sunglasses, you can slide the strap or retainer off the ends of the sunglass’ arms and place them safely.
Following these simple steps, you can effectively use a strap or retainer to keep your sunglasses in place and avoid mishaps.
Get a Professional Adjustment
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to take your sunglasses to a professional to get an adjustment.
An optometrist or eyewear specialist can ensure your sunglasses fit properly and securely. For example, they may need to adjust the nose pads or the temple arms.
They may also recommend a different style of sunglasses that will better suit your face shape.
How to Prevent Sunglasses From Slipping Because of Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen to your face can cause your sunglasses to slip down your nose, making it difficult to see and uncomfortable to wear them. Here are some tips to prevent your sunglasses from slipping down because of sunscreen:
- Choose the right sunscreen: Look for oil-free sunscreen designed for the face, like this one from Neutrogena (on Amazon). These sunscreens are less likely to cause greasiness and slippage on the skin.
- Apply sunscreen properly: Apply sunscreen to your face at least 20 minutes before putting on your sunglasses. Apply it evenly and allow it to dry before putting on your sunglasses.
- Avoid excess sunscreen: Apply only a small amount of sunscreen to your face, as excess sunscreen can cause your sunglasses to slip. Also, avoid applying sunscreen directly on the bridge of your nose where the nose pads of your sunglasses rest.
- Use a powder: A light dusting of translucent powder on your nose can help absorb excess sunscreen and prevent your sunglasses from slipping.